Forget the two front teeth! All I want for Christmas is to wrap myself in the addictive lusciousness of our Vicuña Cape. Imagine wrapping a fluffy cloud around your shoulders drizzled with the majesty of pure luxury and you are one step closer to experiencing the unforgettable indulgence of this buttery fiber. This ambrosial delight will leave an ever-lasting impression, with its sumptuous softness, silky drape and rich legacy.

Vicuña fleece is one of the most sought-after fibers in the world and, incidentally, happens to be the rarest and most costly. Once revered as precious enough only for Inca royalty, vicuñas continue to be worshipped as sacred animals by the Aymara Indians of Peru and Bolivia. After reaching near extinction in the 60’s, vicuñas are strictly protected and only limited commercial harvesting of the fiber is allowed. Every year in spring, following the ancient tradition known as chaccus, the shy vicuñas are gathered and carefully sheared by the native villagers.

A treasure to be cherished for generations, the gift of vicuña will make a lasting memory. Like to try a bite before buying the entire pie? For a sampling of heaven, you can order a small swatch of our vicuña fabric by calling our customer service at 800-221-8520. For the most decadent feast of the senses, wrap yourself in the pure luxury of our Vicuña Cape, a delicacy beyond the scope of any descriptive words. With one touch of its ethereal softness, you will understand why the vicuña has shined from a golden pedestal for millennia.

Peru may seem a world away, but the Western traditions of Christmas will be highly recognizable. Even though Christmas actually occurs during the summer months in Peru, Santa Claus, known as Papa Noel, is still depicted as a jolly white-haired man wearing a large red coat, gloves and a hat. The western influence is obvious, but many aspects of the holiday have been melded with decidedly Peruvian features.

With nearly 75% of the population identifying with Catholicism, the celebration of the birth of Jesus is an important event. The rural context of the nativity scene makes it especially identifiable to the people of Peru. On December 24th, known as "Noche Buena", people flock to the Plaza de Armas in Cusco for the annual Santuranticuy market, which literally means "buying of the saints". Artisans fill the street with handmade figurines, including Jesus, Mary, Joseph, angels and shepherds, carved from Huamanga stone, gourds, glass or even wood. Retablos, wooden boxes with a carved image of the nativity scene inside, are also wildly popular. Most families traditionally buy the pieces for their nativity scenes at this market, keeping them on display until the celebrations on January 6th.

Another distinct feature of Peruvian Christmas is the practice of "chocolatadas". During the week of Christmas, especially on the 24th, it is common for families, churches and organizations to offer cups of hot chocolate to those less fortunate. Chocolatadas are a celebration of togetherness and selfless giving.

After the preparation of the nativity scene, families return home for a grand Christmas Eve dinner, often replete with an all too familiar turkey, wine and a fruit filled bread known as Paneton. At midnight, fireworks light up the sky and dancing fills the street. The Christmas celebration continues through the week until la Bajada de los Reyes, "the arrival of the three wise men", on January 6th. Following the tradition of the three wise men, people typically exchange gifts on this day.

With Christmas only a couple weeks away, we want to wish everyone, from North and South, a Happy Holiday! Be sure to check out our fabulous gift-gallery or to give the gift of hope, consider an altruistic donation to the Pro Mujer foundation, which helps empower and support women in Peru. You can help support ProMujer with the purchase of a silky-soft Baby Llama Throw, with all proceeds benefitting ProMujer, or by sending them a tax deductible donation.¡Feliz Navidad!

The holidays are in full swing, and so is the holiday party circuit: business lunches, festive get-togethers, chic soirées. So how to de-code the dress code for all of these events? Black tie is pretty self-explanatory, but what does “Festive” mean? Or “Creative Black Tie”? Or “Dressy Casual”? Don’t worry… we’re here to help. One thing to keep in mind when planning your outfit: Evening events are always dressier than events that take place during the day.

Cocktail Attire:The look here should be sophisticated and chic. Stick to tasteful, knee-length options paired with kitten heels or sexy, strappy sandals. Think of that perfect LBD. Or for a more conservative look, try a classic sheath dress. PC Suggests: For a real head-turner, we suggest the Rosebud Dress. Other beautiful options include the Lombard Dress (made even more chic with the Victoria Falls Collar) and—an elegant two-piece option… the Sugarplum Sequin Skirt with the Soirée Top.

Business Attire:Business attire is a glammed-up version of what you would wear to work. A polished suit is fine—with either trousers or pencil skirt. Go a little bolder with the jewelry and accessories. Stacks of bangles, a statement necklace or pretty scarf add an elegant touch. PC Suggests: We love the Femme Fatale Jacket and Dietrich Skirt. Also the timeless, versatile D’Orsay Dress.

Creative Black Tie:Think formal, but with a trendy, creative twist… a modern touch to the traditional. PC Suggests: The floor-grazing, fabulous Taffeta Fishtail Skirt is oh-so glam yet contemporary. Pair it with the Chevron Lace Cardigan and Stitchery Tank. It’s also possible to go shorter here with the Riverbend Skirt.

Black Tie Optional: You don’t have to wear a long evening gown (but you can if you want to). You can also wear a formal cocktail dress, a dressy pantsuit, or even a long full skirt with an elegant sweater. PC Suggests: The hand-beaded Wonderland Dress is stunning in winter white, and even dressier in go-everywhere black. Another option: the hand-crocheted Lattice Lace Dress.

Informal:This doesn’t mean casual; it actually means “semi-formal.” A chic cocktail dress or dressy separates would work well for this. Make sure to complete the look with stand-out accessories and a great pair of shoes. PC Suggests: The Faubourg Dress—in twilight-blue velvet—with our Black Orchid Headband would fit the bill beautifully. Another option: the French Quarter Dress in silk georgette.

Dressy Casual/Elegant Casual:This means just what it sounds like: relaxed, yet polished and pulled together. PC Suggests: This could mean something as simple as an elegant sweater-dress with cool accessories—like our East-West Dress with Pompom Sash, the Tambora Batik Dress or Camilla Dress. Or you could wear a crisp pair of Pencil Jeans with a cool jacket or dressed-up sweater, like the Raj Jacket or Delia Cardigan.

Need more tips on sailing through the holiday season with grace? Read our Holiday Party Etiquette Guide: • Never arrive early (unless, of course, you have a specific request from the host). For formal fêtes, arrive within 15 minutes of the time listed on the invitation. For informal invitations, it’s best to show up about 20–30 minutes after the party officially begins.

• Always say hello to your hosts within a few minutes of arriving. And make sure to say good-bye before you leave.

• Although it’s not required, it’s nice to bring a bottle of wine or a sweet treat when showing up to a dinner, lunch or cocktail party. Don’t bring flowers that need arranging; this will just add more stress to a harried host. If it’s a large, formal event and you don’t know the host well, you don’t need to bring anything.

• Always bring a gift if you’re staying at the host’s home overnight. The longer you stay, the more expensive the gift.

• Keep cocktail party conversations light; in these situations, it’s always best avoid controversial subjects, like politics or religion.

• Holiday parties are not the place to check emails, send texts, surf the Internet or make cell phone calls. Turn off your phone and enjoy the people who are actually in the room with you.

• If the invitation has an ending time, don’t linger too much longer; it’s rude to overstay your welcome. If the party doesn’t have a specific end time, keep an eye on the crowd and plan on leaving when approximately half the guests have departed.

• Always, always, always say thank you! Don’t email your appreciation. Call the next day to thank your host, or send a handwritten thank-you note within a week of the party.

What is it about red that attracts people? The hottest of all the warm-spectrum colors, red is emotionally intense and physically stimulating, the color of fire, energy, strength and vitality. Red motivates, red stirs the blood, commands attention—it even raises human metabolism. Red represents passion, power, love, danger and glamour. Celebrities saunter down red carpets; politicians and business magnates don red power ties; rich playboys cruise around in cherry-red Ferraris. Joyous revelers paint the town in this selfsame color. Red is high visibility—which is why fire engines, stop signs and stoplights are represented by it. It’s also the color most often chosen by extroverts. In short, red is not for the shy and retiring.

Red makes a splashy statement throughout the calendar year. From romantic valentines in February to summer’s ripe berries and flowers to the rust red leaves of autumn to Santa’s festive holiday get-up, red makes the rounds in high style.

Culturally, red has potent symbolism all over the world. In China, red represents happiness and good fortune; brides wear red dresses, and special red packets are used during the Chinese New Year to wrap monetary gifts. Both the Greeks and the Hebrews associated the color with love. In India, where it denotes marriage and purity, women wear red saris when they wed. In Central Africa, Ndembu warriors rub themselves with red during celebrations, since the color symbolizes life and health. The first major chakra. or energy center, of the body (called Muladhara in Sanskrit) corresponds to survival, instinct and sexuality and is represented by the color red.

Red has quite a colorful history in the world of fashion as well. Many centuries ago, ancient Mexicans produced a brilliant red dye from the cochineal insect, which lived on the cactus plant. In the early 16th century, the dye was “discovered” by Spanish conquistadors in the Aztec marketplace; it was shipped back to Europe, where no one had ever seen such a gorgeous shade of crimson. Because it was such an elusive and expensive color to produce, red was only worn by the very wealthy, and this continued to be the case for centuries. King Louis XIV of France was a fan, habitually painting the heels of his shoes bright red (some 350 years before shoe designer Christian Louboutin’s scarlet soles!). This heel-painting trend caught on with the rest of the nobles of his time. In some countries, like Japan, wearing red was reserved for people of high status; it was forbidden for commoners to wear it.

In her autobiography, D.V. (a must read, by the way!), Diana Vreeland—the 20th century’s most influential arbiter of fashion and taste—said: “Red is the great clarifier—bright, cleansing, and revealing. It makes all other colors beautiful. I can’t imagine becoming bored with red—it would be like becoming bored with the person you love.”

I have always coveted the breath-taking, stylistic beauty of orchids, but much to my chagrin, our climate is not conducive to their survival. Despite my best efforts to negate this reality, I have been reduced to appreciating their natural artistry through photos and dreams. My adoration exploded when I recently discovered that my beloved vanilla beans come from orchids. It seemed too good to be true: two of my favorite things combined in one glorious package! This culmination of love sent me reeling into a frenzy of research and fascination. What other miracles were hiding within these gorgeous plants? Coincidentally, I learned that orchids thrive in the rich climate of Peru, with over 3,000 different varieties found in all three regions: from the coast of the Pacific, to the Andean highlands and the jungle areas.

Orchids were accidentally discovered by a British explorer, Swainson, who was collecting moss samples in the Amazonian jungle regions of South America for the horticulturalist William Cattley. Back in Great Britain, the collected samples produced beautiful lavender flowers, which became known as Cattleya orchids in 1818. Ever since this "official" recognition of orchids, more than 30,000 varieties have been identified around the world. This rare Cattleya Rex variety is strongly rooted in the city of Moyobamba in the northern high jungle of Peru. Known as "The Orchid City," Moyobamba is home to the most diverse selection of wild orchids in the world.

Although orchids were not officially classified until 1818, it is believed that these marvelous wonders existed thousands of years before. An ancient Quechua legend tells of a tragic "Romeo and Juliet" love story enchanted by bright red orchids. It is told that a young Incan princess destined to marry the Sun God fell hopelessly in love with a victorious warrior. Upon learning of their romance, her father, the Inca King, sent the warrior to the battlefields of the Amazonian mountains, knowing his death would be imminent. Heartbroken with tears streaming down her face, the princess followed her beloved into the forest. According to the legend, wherever her tears fell a bright red orchid bloomed, leaving a trail for her lost lover to follow. This bright red orchid, now known as Masdevallia Veitchiana is thought to be the most beautiful orchid variety and has even been honored with the First Class Certificate, the prestigious award of the American Orchid Society.

Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas, houses the largest private orchid collection, with 372 species growing in the sanctuary of their natural habitat. Like Moyobamba (The Orchid City), tourists can embark on official "orchid tours" or enjoy leisurely strolls through the vast orchid trails. With awe-inspiring orchids blooming year round, this is simply one more reason to visit the marvelous world of Peru. I for one can’t wait to get lost in the perfumed beauty of the orchid trails!